NISSAN PULSAR (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 10,207 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,047
£171/month
MOT Pass Rate
81%
Good
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1618cc Petrol
Solid Option
81% pass rate, £2047/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1618cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 10 years old, 81% of NISSAN PULSARs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 10,207 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 59,808 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
59,808
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 NISSAN PULSAR has 59,808 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2018 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 2014 model has the lowest at 75%. The 2016 sits between the two at 81%.
NISSAN PULSAR by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2016 NISSAN PULSAR
The 2016 NISSAN PULSAR is a family car with a 1618cc petrol engine. 10,207 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 82% of 2016 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 59,808 miles at 10 years old, NISSAN PULSAR owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2016 NISSAN PULSAR Fuel Costs
The 1618cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2016 NISSAN PULSAR?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,047 (£171/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
NISSAN PULSAR Reliability Trend
Newer NISSAN PULSARs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2016 NISSAN PULSAR
At 10 years old, the NISSAN PULSAR is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 89%. With 10,207 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2016 NISSAN PULSAR's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 10 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2016 NISSAN PULSAR stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NISSAN PULSAR(2016) | 81% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2047 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2015) | 78% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£325 |
| FORD FOCUS(2014) | 80% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£370 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2017) | 86% | £955 | £190 | Grp 5-15 | £1550-£497 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2015) | 82% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1390-£657 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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